Kampala– Malaria Consortium has celebrated 20 years of dedicated contribution in the prevention, control, and treatment of malaria and other communicable diseases.
For the last two decades, Malaria Consortium has played a pivotal role in reducing the burden of malaria in Uganda and more widely across Africa and Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the celebrations held at Mestil in Kampala, Dr. Godfrey Magumba, East & Southern Africa Programmes Director, Malaria Consortium said, “Twenty years of relentless dedication have shown us that the fight against malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea is not just a battle against a disease, but a journey towards stronger communities, empowered by knowledge and innovation. As we mark this milestone, Malaria Consortium renews its commitment to a future where every individual, regardless of where they live, can envision a life free from the shadow of malaria.”
He also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing malaria control efforts through new technologies, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring sustainability in health solutions.
“The upcoming introduction of interventions like the malaria vaccine alongside ongoing strategies such as indoor residual spraying and mosquito net distribution continues to drive Malaria Consortium’s mission forward,” he said.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, said for a long time Uganda has made strides in the fight against Malaria, with the help of Malaria Consortium.
She noted that Malaria is an economic disease, with government spending a lot of money treating the disease.
“If you look at statistics, it still shows that malaria is leading cause of mortality and maternal death, it is the biggest killer for the under 5 age,” she said.
Atwiine noted that as Malaria Consortium celebrates 20 years of existence, more is still needed from the global community.
“During Covid-19, the world came to a standstill, it was a global problem. A lot was done, this is the same thing we need with Malaria, the Global community has to come together in the fight against malaria,” she said.
She noted that there’s need of mass sensitization on Malaria, “We want to see the population be sensitized and participate in ending malaria.”
Malaria Consortium was founded by a small team of individuals committed to improving and saving lives.
The organisation began as a collaboration between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, a partnership developed to inform and shape UK Government policy.
In 2003, when malaria deaths were approaching a peak of 1.8 million annually, Malaria Consortium became a non-governmental organisation, registered in the UK.
So far, the Malaria Consortium’s multi-faceted approach, combining innovative research, evidence-based interventions, and community engagement, has contributed to a substantial reduction in malaria prevalence in Uganda, from 42% in 2009 to 9.2% in 2019.
This remarkable progress has been achieved through strategic partnerships and collaborations, emphasising the importance of working together to combat one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
